Who is Ben Kern? Ohio club pro scores six birdies at PGA Championship
Ben Kern, the 41-year-old general manager at Hickory Hills Golf Club in Ohio, shot a 67 at the 2026 PGA Championship's second round.
Editor's note: Follow USA TODAY's live Round 2 coverage of the 2026 PGA Championship by clicking here . Ben Kern had the round of his life May 15 at the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. The 41-year-old general manager at Hickey Hills Golf Club outside of Columbus, Ohio, made six birdies to card a 67 in the tournament's second round.
One of 20 club professionals in the field, Kern is 1-over for the tournament and on the verge of making the weekend. It would be a rare major cut by a club pro. Kern missed the cut in his last PGA Championship appearance in 2023.
Here's a look at his surprising run in the PGA Championship: He's on fire! Ben Kern, PGA, makes 3-straight birdies! 🔥 @SouthernOhioPGA pic.
twitter. com/b9HwzZT85D — PGA of America (@PGA) May 15, 2026 Ben Kern's PGA Championship 2026 scorecard Round 1: +4 74 (three birdies, four bogeys, one triple-bogey) Round 2: -3 67 (six birdies, three bogeys) Will Ben Kern make the PGA Championship 2026 cut? Kern was one of the early finishers on May 15, but at +1 for the tournament, he sat tied for 40th in the field shortly before 3 p.